11 tools reflection

My favorite tools were the ones that let you create new things, image generators, mash ups, and digital storytelling. They are the tools that give that wow factor to things I am already doing in the classroom. I can see myself embedding these new tools into existing science and math projects that demand a product.

My thinking has been transformed by going from I want to include technology to I have to include technology in the curriculum. I am doing a disservice to my students if I don't prepare them with the full range of technology available at the present time so that they can grow as technology grows.

The outcomes of learning these tools has been that the technology itself is friendly. I may make mistakes, but they can be corrected. I feel creative in ways I have never been before.

tool # 11

Digital Citizenship is the key to students using technology successfully. I loved the matrix in the Coolcat teacher blog that had the 4 main ideas of literacy, safety, learning strategies, and etiquette. All of these skills are so important in every aspect of our lives as we become more connected. If we, the schools, don't teach this, we are exposing our students to something that could harm instead of help them. The resources that TEA and I safe offer are very valuable. I think that teachers modeling and applying all of the matrix skills we want our students to use is the most effective way to teach these skills.
I still worry about the time aspect involved in teaching and becoming proficient with all of these skills. We will have to collaborate to get everything in the curriculum taught and embed the technology.

tool # 10

I had the opportunity to use the i-touch technology at the end of the year. The students were very motivated to use this technology. I was disheartened because they think the i touch is only for music and games. When they needed to go to specific, academic applications, they lost a lot of their initial enthusiasm.
I reviewed these apps: Math Drills Lite and Brain Tuner. Math Drills Lite is a fact game that you can adjust levels. Brain Tuner is a mental math game which looked fun. The science apps I found were Science Lite, 3-D sun, science 101, and Brain Pop Featured Movie. They all had great things.
I found that to make my students accountable for learning I had a form showing them where to go and my expectations at that site. It took some work up front, but saved the students and myself frustration of going where ever.
I am taking the i touch class on Thursday. I can't wait to find more ways to use the i touch in the classroom.

tool # 9

Jing and Skype are two great tools that could be powerful in the classroom.
I found Jing similar to the flip charts, power points, or photo stories that I have used before. I would have to explore it more to find its niche in my teaching.
Skype is very interesting to me. I liked the idea of virtual field trips, author visits, speakers, interviews, tutorial, and exchanging ideas with families. Professionally, I can see it as a good tool in conferencing with parents (if they have the technology) and professional development.
I am trying to find places to incorporate my new learning with the curriculum.

tool # 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyysL02ZvQ8 Study Jams Weathering and Erosion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09OvdYCcEEw&feature=related Bill Nye the Science Guy- Causing Erosion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOz8Fq0nNqg Place value song

I often use videos and video clips to teach new concepts and reinforce previously taught concepts. Students are accustom to fast moving visual and audio and the video clips suit their needs. I also try to use songs so that my students , second language learners, have the lyrics to go with the visuals.

Today I did a goggle video search. Most of the relevant videos were on you tube or teacher tube. I have mostly used brainpop and discovery education videos/clips in the classroom. These sites don't give as many choices and even though all of the videos don't fit perfectly, it saves a lot of time.

tool # 7

I enjoyed making my photo story. My one frustration was not having my personal pictures saved on my school computer. I think if I were using pictures that have more meaning to me the project would have more meaning. As it was, I used the things that were easily available. My students would love to do projects using photo story. I would love to see an exsisting rubric that would break skills down by class periods and how to scaffold the learning with this tool. I see this as a nine week/semester long project that can encompass many topics as we move thru the math or science curriculum.

tool #6

The wikis are another great tool for students and teachers to collaborate and create without physically being in the same place. I looked at several wikis and the explanation video. The possibilites are endless. I can see teachers working on lessons or activities and students working on projects. Very exciting!